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Print Friendly MapMedicine Lake Regional Trail offers a plethora of experiences along its nearly 16-mile length. Kicking off in the Elm Creek Park Reserve in the north, the trail cuts a swath through the Maple Grove suburb of Minneapolis, passing shady hardwood groves and reedy marsh on the way to Fish Lake. Continuing southward, the trail before it enters the French Lake Regional Park and then moves to hug the eastern shoreline of Medicine Lake, offering panoramic views of the water. It terminates by intersecting with the Luce Line Regional Trail, another part of the extensive Three Rivers Park District’s regional trail system. Medicine Lake Regional Trail offers a quick and quiet escape in a suburban setting with rich, varied scenery. Bridges and tunnels provide crossings across major roadways, making for comfortable biking for families with children.
There is parking available in Elm Creek Park Reserve (12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove) near the northern trailhead at CR 81 and Elm Creek Boulevard. At the opposite end of the trail, West Medicine Lake Park (1920 W. Medicine Lake Drive Plymouth) has both parking and beachside amenities including picnic shelters, restrooms and drinking fountains. Remember to make your way to the eastern shoreline however, to get onto the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.
I give this 4 stars bc of the sections of the trail that are super bumpy due to tree root issues on the blacktopped surface. We loved the ride-hilly, winding, flat and forested with lots of canopy. Btw there is trail head parking at East Medicine Lake Park. That’s where we parked and there’s a nice bathroom and play area. Would recommend! Just wear your extra padded shorts for the bumpy sections!
We really enjoyed this trail on our E-bikes. A lot of lakes and woods to enjoy. We started at Medicine Lake -- a lot of the first quarter or so is a bit bumpy. Some long hills you might want to be aware of. Once you get to the end of the trail at Elm Creek it is another couple (?) miles before you get to any facilities. The trail was well marked, I have seen other reviews saying it wasn't. It was a nice 40 mile ride on a hot day.
Started this trail at the southern end. Mostly trails through developments. Not well marked until you get to the northern part. Lots of winding, up and down hills. Wooded, and some wooden bridges. We biked 40 miles to Elm creek preserve and back.
I needed to drop off some papers for my son in Maple Grove so we decided to get in a bike ride in that area. I searched Maple Grove, MN and discovered the Medicine Lake Regional Trail. The closest parking for us was at Fish Lake park. We went south out of that park and quickly discovered it WAS NOT a rail trail. My wife only lasted about 4 miles before she had enough. Our total bike ride was less than 8 miles although she can usually do between 20 and 25 miles. I just now checked and the trail is marked "non-RT" which I am now sure means that it's not a Rail Trail. The trail itself was okay for me although going south put us in a residential area rather than in the woods. Maybe going north would have been better but I'll never know now.
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